Why Cannon Beach Is Perfect for Getting Married on the Oregon Coast

Getting married on the Oregon Coast is about more than a pretty backdrop. It’s about slowing down, breathing deeper, and choosing a wedding day that actually feels like you. With crashing waves, salty air, and wide open beaches, the Oregon Coast creates space for meaningful, stress-free celebrations that focus on connection—not performance.

The wind in your hair. Waves crashing nearby. Bare feet in the sand. The Oregon Coast isn’t just a place to say your vows, it’s a place to feel them.

As an elopement photographer who spends a lot of time along this coastline, I’ve watched couples slow down, breathe deeper, and truly be present here. That’s the real magic of an Oregon Coast elopement.

Sometimes the best love stories aren’t just about how they begin. They’re about celebrating how far you’ve come and choosing each other all over again.

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Jeff & Amber’s Story: Getting Married on the Oregon Coast Their Way

Jeff and Amber’s love story feels like the kind you’d expect in a rom-com.

They met in college when Amber was visiting Jeff’s sister. After spotting this cute guy, Amber made the first move and asked him to play pool. Classic. What followed was years of long-distance love, handwritten letters, and even time living in Alaska — proof that real love can handle distance, time, and change.

Jeff later proposed at a baseball game in San Diego, surrounded by family but feeling like they were the only two people in the stadium. He had already asked her mom for her blessing (smooth move). When the moment came, it was just the two of them overlooking the city, saying yes to forever.

Fifteen years later, they chose to celebrate that forever in a new way.

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Why They Chose Cannon Beach for Their Vow Renewal

In June, Jeff and Amber renewed their vows at Cannon Beach, with Haystack Rock rising behind them and the Pacific Ocean stretching out in every direction.

They had already done the traditional wedding. This time, they wanted something different; fun, stress-free, and fully them.

Cannon Beach offered exactly that.

Dramatic sea stacks. Endless ocean views. Waves providing the perfect soundtrack for saying, “I choose you again.”

And most importantly…no rules.

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Elopements on the Oregon Coast Don’t Have to Follow Rules

Jeff and Amber kicked off their celebration with dinner and drinks at Pelican Brewing Company in Cannon Beach.

They shared salt-encrusted pretzels dipped in gooey cheese sauce, devoured fish tacos, and sipped Old Fashioneds at the bar. It was relaxed, cozy, and full of laughter — the perfect way to start a vow renewal day.

These kinds of moments matter. They set the tone. They calm the nerves. And they create space for real connection.

Why Pelican Brewing Is a Perfect Elopement Stop

Pelican Brewing Company has been crafting beer and pub food for over 20 years. With a 10-barrel brewing system, 20 taps, and a full cocktail menu, there’s something for every coupl, whether you’re celebrating or settling pre-ceremony nerves.

Jeff and Amber’s Old Fashioneds, shared pretzels, and quiet moments at the bar created some of the most natural, unposed photos of the day.

It’s casual, cozy, and still feels special which is a perfect match for an Oregon Coast elopement.

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After dinner, they wandered through town in wedding attire like they owned the place (in a good way). They stopped in front of a candy shop that held special meaning for them, snapped a few playful photos, and then headed toward the beach.

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Haystack Rock: An Iconic Oregon Coast Wedding Backdrop

Standing in front of Haystack Rock, Jeff and Amber exchanged vows with the ocean behind them and the sand beneath their feet.

No crowd. No pressure. Just two people honoring 15 years of choosing each other.

And then they did something that perfectly captured who they are.

They played tag on the beach.

Yes, you heard that right. They played tag in their wedding clothes…and loved it! Jeff said it was hands down the best part of the day.

Laughing. Running. Galloping through the sand like kids. Because your vows, your rules.

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Cake, Ocean Views, and Quiet Moments

As the sun dipped lower, Jeff and Amber set up a picnic right on the beach next to Haystack Rock.

This is where they cut their cake together. No audience. No rush. Just the sound of the waves and the kind of quiet that only happens when you’re completely comfortable with the person beside you.

These are the moments that make elopements so special because they are authentic, unfiltered, and deeply personal.

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Why Getting Married on the Oregon Coast Feels Different

If you’re thinking about getting married on the Oregon Coast, Cannon Beach deserves a spot on your radar.

The Backdrop
Haystack Rock stands 235 feet tall and creates natural drama that turns every photo into art.

The Vibe
Cannon Beach blends wild coastal beauty with a laid-back, walkable town. Ceremony on the sand. Dinner and drinks nearby. No long drives required.

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The Real Magic of Getting Married on the Oregon Coast

What Jeff and Amber understood is something I wish every couple knew.

Your wedding day should feel like the best version of your everyday life together.

They built their vow renewal around things they love, travel, good food, movement, laughter, and time together. No seating charts. No expectations. No pressure to perform.

Just joy.

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Why Activities Matter When Getting Married on the Oregon Coast

Planning activities into your elopement isn’t just fun, it’s one of the best ways to stay present.

Instead of wondering what to do next, couples are eating, walking, playing, and connecting. These moments naturally create incredible photos and even better memories. Whether it’s sharing drinks at a local brewery, playing games on the beach, walking through town in wedding clothes, or cutting cake by the ocean, these experiences become the story you remember.

Your vows. Your rules.

And sometimes it includes beach games, candy shop stops, and toasting many more years together with Old Fashioneds instead of champagne.

Things to Do When Getting Married on the Oregon Coast

Every elopement is different and there are so many things to enjoy together while at the coast. Here are a few suggestions of activities you can include in your elopement day:

• Tide pooling during low tide
• Walking through charming downtown streets
• Incredible local food and drinks
• Long beach walks
• Oceanfront picnics
• Arcade games or candy shop stops
• Horseback riding on the beach
• Helicopter ride the see the coastline from a new vantage point

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Thinking About Getting Married on the Oregon Coast?

If getting married on the Oregon Coast sounds like the kind of day you want: simple, intentional, and full of real moments, I’d love to help you plan it. I photograph elopements and vow renewals for couples who care more about experience than tradition, and who want their day to feel relaxed, honest, and true to them.

You can find more tips, location ideas, and real elopement days over on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, where I share behind-the-scenes moments and practical planning advice.
And if you’re ready to start dreaming this up together, you can reach out through my contact page anytime.

Your vows. Your rules. The Oregon Coast does the rest.